Stephen Badon, a 35-year-old resident of New Orleans, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey on May 13, 2025, following Badon's guilty plea to charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography. These charges are violations under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). In addition to the prison term, Badon will face 25 years of supervised release and is required to pay $86,500 in restitution to multiple victims along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The investigation into Badon's activities was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of an effort to combat online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). On August 2, 2023, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Badon's residence in New Orleans. During the search, four electronic devices were seized containing over 88,000 files of CSAM material. Following this discovery, Badon was arrested by the FBI.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse. The project brings together resources from federal, state, and local levels to locate and prosecute individuals exploiting children via the Internet while also working to identify and rescue victims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson commended the efforts of the FBI in this case. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot from the Narcotics Unit is leading the prosecution.
For further details about Project Safe Childhood initiatives and efforts against child exploitation crimes can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.